Full Product Manual

Table Of Contents
Benefits of Low-Volume Irrigation
Better Water Management
The most important benefit of low-volume irrigation is its potential to reduce or
eliminate water waste. Using low-volume irrigation, you can match the water
application to the specific needs of each plant. You can also match the water
application rate to the soil’s infiltration rate more closely, and you can apply
water directly to the plant root zones to virtually eliminate evaporation. Since
water is directed exactly where you need it, very little water is wasted on the
areas between widely spaced plants.
Lower Maintenance Costs
A conventional sprinkler system can spray water onto windows, erode paving,
wash away paint and plaster, and rot wood. A low-volume irrigation system keeps
water off windows, streets, walls and fences, which helps reduce the mainte-
nance costs associated with replastering, repaving, repainting and rebuilding.
Page 2 Chapter 1
TABLE 1-1: CONVENTIONAL VS. LOW-VOLUME IRRIGATION
Conventional Irrigation
(Spray Heads and Rotors)
Low-Volume Irrigation
(Xerigation)
Design Design goal is to broadcast water
as evenly as possible across an
entire area. Water is delivered to
the surface of the planted area.
Design goal is to apply water to a
uniform depth, either directly to
the plant root zone or in a limited
area. Water is delivered at or
below the surface of the planted
area.
Installation Most of system installed in
underground trenches.
In residential applications, most
of system installed at or near
grade and covered with 2-3
inches of mulch. Typically,
installation requires less time. In
commercial applications, most of
system installed in underground
trench and exposure of any drip
tubing is minimal.
Maintenance Problems with system are easy to
spot. Many problems require
trenching to repair. Solvents are
required to repair pipes.
Problems with system may be less
noticeable. Scheduled
maintenance requires greater
attention. However, most
problems with the system can be
repaired faster and more easily
than conventional systems.
Generally, no solvents are used.
®